Khaya Burwana
Nominee's Province:
Western Cape
Age:
35
Project Name/Description:
Founder & Director – AGRIKEY
Cape Town’s agricultural landscape is changing, and Khaya Burwana is one of the key people behind that shift. As the founder and director of AGRIKEY, he’s using farming not just to grow food, but to build futures. What started in 2019 as a poultry farm has grown into a multi-award-winning operation that includes piggery, crop production, and innovative vertical hydroponic farming. Khaya’s blend of modern tech and eco-conscious methods has turned AGRIKEY into a standout in the Western Cape farming space. With a master’s degree in technology and a background in financial information systems, Khaya brings a unique mix of skills to the sector. His commitment to soil health, water conservation, and organic practices means AGRIKEY’s produce is not just high-quality—it’s sustainable. But he doesn’t stop at production. Through vertical hydroponic gardens in five schools in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, AGRIKEY teaches students practical farming skills, entrepreneurship, and the importance of food security. The vegetables grown are shared among students and sold in local communities—fostering independence and opportunity early on. Khaya’s leadership has earned AGRIKEY multiple awards, including 2023 Poultry Farmer of the Year, the 2024 Nedbank Township Alliance Pitching Competition, and several City of Cape Town sustainability recognitions. His goal is to make AGRIKEY a leading supplier of agricultural products while helping small farmers nourish their communities and grow sustainable businesses.
